(Newser)
–
Jean Biden, the mother of VP Joe Biden and a familiar presence on the 2008 campaign trail, died today in WIlmington, Del. She was 92. On her deathbed, she was "surrounded by her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren and many loved ones," Joe Biden said in a statement. "She was the center of our family and taught all of her children that family is to be treasured, loyalty is paramount and faith will guide you through the tough times."

Born in Scranton, Pa., Jean Finnegan married Joseph Biden Sr. in 1941. They later moved to Delaware, where they raised four children. "She believed in us, and because of that, we believed in ourselves. Together with my father, her husband of 61 years who passed away in 2002, we learned the dignity of hard work and that you are defined by your sense of honor," said Joe, her eldest son. "Her strength, which was immeasurable, will live on in all of us."